Here is just some information I found on interferon and it's uses:
http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/interferon-roferon-a/page1.aspx
*Uses of Interferon*
#
# The primary use of interferon in veterinary medicine has been as a
supplement in the treatment of the non-cancerous feline leukemia disease.
# Interferon is also used on an investigational basis in the treatment
of various cancers and viral infections in dogs and cats.
*Precautions and Side Effects*
# While generally safe and effective when prescribed by a veterinarian,
interferon may cause side effects in some animals.
# Interferon should not be used in animals with known hypersensitivity
or allergy <javascript: void(0);> to the drug.
# This drug should also be avoided in animals with preexisting
autoimmune disease, severe heart disease, lung disease, herpes virus
<http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/interferon-roferon-a/page1.aspx#>,
or neurologic disorders.
# Little is known about the safety of interferon. It has been shown to
lower blood platelet counts and may cause anemia.
# This drug may also promote liver damage and nervous system damage
<http://www.petplace.com/drug-library/interferon-roferon-a/page1.aspx#>.
# Interferon may interact with other medications. Consult with your
veterinarian to determine if other drugs your pet is receiving might
interact with interferon. Such drugs include other antiviral medications.
# The most common side effects associated with interferon are loss of
appetite and vomiting.
*How Interferon is Supplied*
# Interferon is available in 3 million IU/ml, 6 million IU/ml and 36
million IU/ml concentrations.
*Dosing Information*
# Medication should never be administered without first consulting your
veterinarian.
# Interferon is available as an injectable drug but it is administered
orally to animals.
# For dogs, interferon is dosed at 1 IU/10 pounds (1 IU/5 kg) orally
every other week.
# Cats are given 30 IU of interferon / per cat / orally once daily for 7
days. They are then taken off the medicine for 7 days, to have the
medicine reinstated again (same dose) once daily for 7 days. This
cycle is then repeated for as long as the cat is to be kept on medication.
# An alternative dosing scheme for cats is to give 0.25 to 2.5 mg per
pound (0.5 to 5 mg/kg) once daily.
# The duration of administration of interferon depends on the condition
being treated, the response to the medication, and the development of
any adverse effects.
It looks like if the solutions is frozen it is good indefinitely, this
site had a lot of good information about its use written by someone who
used it for 4 years on her cat who suffered from a very bad case of
stomatitis, his story is well known on the internet:
http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Pointe/9352/stomatitis.html
*TIPS ON USING INTERFERON:*
*#1) NEVER give with food. Inteferon breaks down in the stomach with
stomach acid. Always squirt it directly into the mouth where it is
absorbed in the mouth and throat lining.*
*#2) ALWAYS keep refridgerated. It's useless if it hits room
temperature. Keep unused dilutions frozen until needed. It's unknown
how long Interferon stays effective in the fridge. Keep unused
dilutions frozen until needed.*
*#3) It's USELESS to do on/off dosing. It MUST be given every 24 hours
to maintain consistent levels in the bloodstream. (See excerpts below
regarding peaks and valleys). It must be kept in the blood at all
times. On/Off protocols are worthless because it progresses forward in
times of no intervention.*
* There are no studies on low dose IFN in veterinary practise that I'm
aware of. *
It says above that it is unknown how long it is good in the fridge.
Don't know why my vet told me three months once diluted, but I know she
did. If it is kept frozen and taken out and thawed as needed it looks
like it is good for a long time.
--
Belinda
happiness is being owned by cats ...
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